Mobile serving device and method

ABSTRACT

A compact, mobile serving cart for efficient preparation and service of cocktails, beverages, food, and/or other items to be served configured for service in a mobile, serve on the go configuration or service in a compact, stationary service configuration. The mobile serving cart includes a frame, side panels, wheels, and a user handle for pushing and maneuvering the cart. The mobile serving cart further includes a cooler assembly; a designated work tray space; a garnish and tool holder assembly; and driver-side drawers openable toward a user and configured for housing various ingredients, service tools, glassware, and other objects desirable for service of beverages, food, etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the mobile serving cart further includes removable caddies and mountable service accessories for smooth transition from service on the go to a compact, stationary, full-service bar.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority in U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 63/020,334 Filed May 5, 2020, which is incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to serving devices and methodsof use thereof and, more specifically, to a mobile serving deviceconfigured for efficient preparation and service of drinks and/or food.

2. Description of the Related Art

Typically, in the food and beverage service industry, serving beveragesto customers requires first taking the customers' beverage orders,relaying the beverage orders to a separate bar or kitchen, a bartenderor server preparing the beverages at the separate bar or kitchen, andthen the server or a runner delivering the beverages to the customersvia a serving tray or serving cart. Often, this process can be timeconsuming, resulting in longer than desired wait times for customersbetween ordering and receiving their beverages. Moreover, if any onestep in the standard beverage ordering and serving process is delayed,customer wait time for beverages is further delayed. For example, aserver getting sidetracked prior to relaying the beverage order to thebar; a bartender busy with preparing other beverage orders; a server orrunner not immediately noticing that beverages are made and ready to beserved; and/or a server or runner spilling drinks from a serving tray orserving cart can result in longer customer wait times for beverages.

Additionally, many restaurants and bars offer specialty drinks andcocktails. Such specialty drinks may include special ingredients orunique preparation steps. Viewing the mixture of these specialingredients and/or preparation steps may provide entertainment value tocustomers. Other beverages have recipes which are variable depending onthe customer's preferences. Thus, it may be preferable to preparebeverages directly in front of the customer for entertainment purposesand/or to accommodate customer input regarding various ingredients. Afurther benefit of making beverages tableside for customers seated attables is that it is likely to free up time for bartenders to preparebeverages more quickly for customers ordering at the primary bar.

However, standard serving carts are not equipped with features forefficient preparation of beverages on the move. For example, many cartsare difficult to maneuver around dining tables and people withoutrunning into things or causing customers to feel crammed while next tothe cart. Additionally, standard serving carts typically do not havedesignated places for preparing beverages on the cart itself ordesignated places for housing ingredients, glassware, ice, and otherbeverage service items. As a result, preparing drinks on such a servingcart can result in inferior quality of drinks, additional spills, and/oradditional broken glassware. Existing serving carts may also have alimited capacity for housing ingredients and glassware, requiringfrequent trips to a separate bar or kitchen to restock the cart,decreasing beverage serving efficiency.

Oftentimes, a primary bar can get overcrowded with customers, leading tolong wait times to order and receive beverages, particularly at popularbars, nightclubs, or events, such as but not limited to sporting events,conventions, and concerts. In such situations, it may be desirable toset up one or more secondary bars. However, typical temporary bars havedisadvantages. Some temporary bars are so large that they decrease thecapacity for customers and/or are strenuous to set up. Other temporarybars are compact but lack capacity for a full amount of ingredients,limiting the types of beverages available at the secondary bar.

What is needed is a compact serving cart and method of use for efficientbeverage preparation and service when moving from customer to customerand when establishing a stationary bar configuration. Heretofore therehas not been available a mobile serving device and method of use withthe advantages and features of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention discloses a compact, ergonomic, mobile servingcart for quick and easy preparation and service of cocktails, beverages,food, and/or other items to be served. In an aspect of the presentinvention, the mobile serving cart includes multiple, easily-changeableconfigurations, including but not limited to a motive, serve on the goconfiguration and a stationary serving configuration. The serving cartof the present invention can seamlessly transition between use forpreparation and service of beverages tableside, poolside, or in anotherlocation where service independent of a traditional bar is desirable anduse as a full-service bar in a compact space.

In an aspect of the present invention, the mobile serving cart has acompact, streamlined shape to easily accommodate weaving in and out ofcrowds and dining rooms and safe and comfortable operation by oneoperator. In a preferred embodiment, the mobile serving cart includesrounded front corners to eliminate sharp edges for added safety while inuse. Designated workspaces and compartments throughout the compact,mobile serving cart design are utilized for increased capacity andutility, with all the cart's contents arranged within an arm's length ofthe operator. In an exemplary embodiment, frequently used items aresituated closest to the operator allowing for quick service on the fly,and speed rail and bar top attachments are stowed and ready to quicklyset up and use in the stationary bar configuration. Additionally, thepresent invention includes an efficient storage configuration allowingthe mobile serving cart to be operated for extended periods of timewithout needing to restock the cart.

In an aspect of the present invention, the mobile serving cart includesa frame, side panels, wheels, and a user handle for pushing andmaneuvering the cart. The mobile serving cart further includes a coolerassembly; a designated work tray space; a garnish and tool holderassembly; and driver-side drawers openable toward a user and configuredfor housing various ingredients, service tools, glassware, and otherobjects desirable for service of beverages, food, etc. Additionally, themobile serving cart includes upper and lower rail moldings which extendalong the sides and front of the cart. These rail moldings are spacedout from the cart side panels a distance with spacer pieces and servemultiple purposes. In the mobile serve on the go configuration of thepresent invention, the rail moldings act as bumpers when a user movesthe serving cart around tables, crowds, and other objects. In astationary configuration, the rail moldings are configured for mountingobjects from the moldings.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the cart drawershouse removable caddies for holding bottles, glassware, bar tools,supplies, etc. In a preferred embodiment two of the removable caddiesare long and narrow—approximately a width slightly wider than astandard, one-liter bottle—and configured to be mountable bartendingspeed rails for attachment to the mobile serving cart rail moldings inthe stationary service configuration. Such embodiment further includes astowable bar top attachment configured for being mounted on the servingcart in the assembled configuration to give customers a space to placetheir drinks and other belongings. Embodiments of the present inventionmay further include a mountable shelf and/or additional mountablefeatures desirable for serving beverages, food, or other items.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the top of themobile serving cart includes a designated space for beveragepreparation; a built-in cavity for housing beverage garnishes,alternative beverage ingredients, drinkware, and/or beverage makingtools and supplies; and a cooler for housing cold beverages andingredients. In a preferred embodiment, the cooler lid provides asecondary work space and slides to allow access to the inside of thecooler. Beneath the primary work tray includes a partially open, slidingdrawer configured for housing ingredient bottles and/or drinkware and anice chest configured for being filled with ice for beverages.Preferably, the opening in this drawer is configured for allowingremoval and insertion of bottles to and from the drawer without havingto open the drawer, as desired by the operator. On a bottom row of themobile serving cart are additional sliding drawers configured forhousing speed rail caddies, a mountable bar top, a mountable shelf, aremovable trash can, and storage for glassware, additional bottles,and/or other beverage serving supplies. In a preferred embodiment, thecart further includes a drain configured for allowing the cooler to bedrained.

The present invention allows an operator to efficiently prepare andserve beverages from the same end the cart is pushed, providing a smoothtransition from rolling the cart to serving beverages in the serve onthe go configuration. In the stationary service configuration, theserving cart of the present invention can be utilized as a stationarybar that operates from the side like a traditional bar and incorporatesan auxiliary bar surface. In a preferred embodiment, caddies configuredfor housing bottles, glassware, and/or the ice chest can be removed fromthe sliding drawers and mounted on the moldings facing the operator,accommodating more efficient beverage making from the side of theserving cart. A bar top attachment can be utilized on thecustomer-facing side of the serving cart. The features of the presentinvention accommodate quick and efficient set-up of a full-service barin a compact space. Furthermore, the mobile serving cart of the presentinvention can also become a valuable branding tool for the purveyor ofthe cart as its sleek design and detailing provide an excellent canvasfor logos and custom graphics.

Heretofore, there has not been a mobile serving cart and method with thecombination of features and advantages of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and includeexemplary embodiments of the present invention illustrating variousobjects and features thereof.

FIG. 1 is an upper, back, left, perspective view of a mobile servingcart embodying the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an upper, front, left, perspective view of the mobile servingcart.

FIG. 3 shows a front, elevational view of the mobile serving cart.

FIG. 4 is a left, side, elevational view of the mobile serving cart.

FIG. 5 is a back, elevational view of the mobile serving cart.

FIG. 6 shows a top, plan view of the mobile serving cart.

FIG. 7 is a bottom, back, left, perspective view of the mobile servingcart.

FIG. 8 is a reference, back, elevational view of the mobile serving cartillustrating the cross-section location of FIG. 9.

FIG. 9 shows a left-center, left to right, cross-sectional, elevationalview of the mobile serving cart.

FIG. 10 shows an enlarged, left-center, left to right, cross-sectional,elevational view of a cooler door assembly of the mobile serving cart.

FIG. 11 is a reference, left, side, elevational view of the mobileserving cart illustrating the cross-section location of FIG. 12.

FIG. 12 shows a back to front, cross-sectional, elevational view of themobile serving cart.

FIG. 13 is a reference, left, side, elevational view of the mobileserving cart illustrating the cross-section location of FIG. 14.

FIG. 14 shows a front to back, cross-sectional, elevational view of themobile serving cart.

FIG. 15 is a reference, left, side, elevational view of the mobileserving cart illustrating the cross-section location of FIG. 16.

FIG. 16 shows a front-center, front to back, cross-sectional,elevational view of the mobile serving cart.

FIG. 17 is an enlarged, front-center, front to back, cross-sectional,elevational view of a cooler door assembly of the mobile serving cart.

FIG. 18 shows an approximate center, cross-sectional, plan view of themobile serving cart.

FIG. 19 shows a lower, cross-sectional, plan view of the mobile servingcart.

FIG. 20 is an upper, back, right, perspective view of the mobile servingcart showing the bottom drawers open.

FIG. 21 is an upper, back, left, perspective view of the mobile servingcart showing the top drawer, ice chest, cooler door, and a garnish trayopen.

FIG. 22 shows and upper, back, left, perspective view of the mobileserving cart in a stationary service configuration mounting a bar topsurface and upper and lower speed rails.

FIG. 23 is an upper, front, left, perspective view of the mobile servingcart in a stationary service configuration.

FIG. 24 is a front, elevational view of the mobile serving cart in astationary service configuration.

FIG. 25 shows a left, side, elevational view of the mobile serving cartin a stationary service configuration.

FIG. 26 is a right, side, elevational view of the mobile serving cart ina stationary service configuration.

FIG. 27 is a back, elevational view of the mobile serving cart in astationary service configuration.

FIG. 28 shows a top, plan view of the mobile serving cart in astationary service configuration.

FIG. 29 shows an upper, back, left, perspective view of the mobileserving cart in a stationary service configuration with the top drawer,ice chest, bottom left drawer, cooler door, and a garnish tray open.

FIG. 30 shows an upper, back, left, perspective view of the mobileserving cart with a mountable bar top surface, upper mountable speedrail, lower mountable speed rail, and mountable shelf each explodedabove a location to be mounted on the mobile serving cart.

FIG. 31 is an upper, back, right, perspective view of the mobile servingcart with a mountable bar top surface and upper mountable speed raileach exploded above a location to be mounted on the mobile serving cart.

FIG. 32 is an upper, back, left, exploded perspective view of the frameand side panels making up the main housing of the mobile serving cart.

FIG. 33 is an upper, front, left, exploded perspective view of the frameand side panels making up the main housing of the mobile serving cart.

FIG. 34 is an upper, back, left, perspective view of the main housing ofthe mobile serving cart.

FIG. 35 shows an upper, back, left, perspective view of the main housingof the mobile serving cart with an exploded cooler component.

FIG. 36 shows an upper, back, left, exploded, perspective view of acooler lid assembly of the mobile serving cart.

FIG. 37 is an upper, front, left, perspective view of a main housing ofthe mobile serving cart with an assembled cooler base but explodedcooler door and cooler slide assemblies.

FIG. 38 is an enlarged, upper, back, left, perspective view of thecooler of the mobile serving cart with an open cooler door.

FIG. 39 shows an upper, front, left, perspective view of the mobileserving cart with exploded rail moldings, vertical molding, and handle.

FIG. 40 is an upper, front, left, perspective view of a cooler slideassembly of the mobile serving cart.

FIG. 41 is an upper, back, left, perspective view of a napkin and toolbin and a garnish tray holder with exploded garnish trays of the mobileserving cart.

FIG. 42 shows an upper, back, left, exploded, perspective view of agarnish and tool holder cavity and work tray assembly of the mobileserving cart.

FIG. 43 is an upper, back, left, perspective view of the mobile servingcart with an exploded napkin and tool bin and an explode garnish trayholder.

FIG. 44 is an upper, back, right, exploded, perspective view of a drawerlocking mechanism of the mobile serving cart.

FIG. 45 shows an upper, back, right, perspective view of a drawerlocking mechanism of the mobile serving cart.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS I. Introduction andEnvironment

As required, detailed aspects of the present invention are disclosedherein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed aspects aremerely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in variousforms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosedherein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis forthe claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in theart how to variously employ the present invention in virtually anyappropriately detailed structure.

Certain terminology will be used in the following description forconvenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, up,down, front, back, right and left refer to the invention as orientatedin the view being referred to. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly”refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometriccenter of the aspect being described and designated parts thereof.Forwardly and rearwardly are generally in reference to the direction oftravel, if appropriate. Additionally, anatomical terms are given theirusual meanings. For example, proximal means closer to the trunk of thebody, and distal means further from the trunk of the body. Saidterminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivativesthereof and words of similar meaning.

II. Preferred Embodiments

The present invention provides a compact, mobile serving cart 2configured for efficient preparation and service of beverages, food, orother items to be served. In an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention, the mobile serving cart 2 includes multiple configurationswhich are quick and easy to transition between depending on the desireduse of the serving cart 2. Such multiple positions include, but are notlimited to, a first, mobile, serve on the go configuration and a second,compact, stationary service configuration. The first, motiveconfiguration accommodates effective service from the same side of thecart 2 that the user uses to push the cart 2, allowing the user toquickly drive the cart 2 to one location, prepare a drink or food itemfor a customer, serve the customer, and move on to a next location. Thefeatures of the mobile serving cart 2 in the mobile configuration makethe present invention ideal for service tableside, poolside, in casinos,and other places where mobile bar service would be desirable. Thesecond, stationary configuration of the mobile serving cart 2 allows forquick set-up of a full-service bar in a compact space. Such stationaryconfiguration makes the present invention ideal for setting up asecondary bar, such as but not limited to at a crowded bar orrestaurant, a sporting event, a convention, or another crowded event.

Referring to the drawings in more detail, FIGS. 1-21 show an exemplaryembodiment of a mobile serving cart 2 of the present invention in amobile service configuration. FIGS. 22-31 show the same embodiment of amobile serving cart 2 of the present invention but in a stationaryservice configuration. FIGS. 32-45 show exploded views of thisembodiment of the mobile serving cart 2 at various points in theproduction process.

The mobile serving cart 2 of the present invention includes a frame 4and connected side panels 6 which form a main housing 3. In an exemplaryembodiment, the frame 4 is made of steel and the side panels 6 are madeof aluminum for a strong yet lightweight construction. However,alternative metals or other materials may be utilized in embodiments ofthe present invention. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS.1-31, the side panels 6 are positioned substantially parallel to eachother with an end of each panel 6 forming a curve along a given radius,meeting the other panel and forming a front panel positioned 90 degreesfrom the sides of the serving cart 2. The two panels 6 attached to theframe 4 form a front side and right and left sides of the main housing 3of the mobile serving cart 2. Such curves in the side panels providerounded, front corners 8 which result in added ease of maneuverabilityand added safety with the front corners not having sharp edges.

The mobile serving cart 2 further includes wheels 10, which support thecart 2 and accommodate movement of the cart 2, and a user handle 12 fordirecting such movement. In an exemplary embodiment, the mobile servingcart handle 12 is rear-mounted between the side panels 6 at an upper,back position of the cart 2. Preferably, the mobile serving cartpush/pull handle 12 is round for a comfortable grip for the operator andis mounted approximately flush with the rear of the cart main housing 3to not interfere with access to components and contents of the servingcart 2. However, alternative handle 12 positioning may also be utilizedin embodiments of the present invention.

In an exemplary embodiment, the mobile serving cart wheels 10 are large,caster wheels configured for swiveling and include foot actuated levers14 to brake wheel rotation and additional directional rotation. In apreferred embodiment, the mobile serving cart 2 includes both footoperated, full braking levers 14 and at least one foot operated lever 14which locks the caster wheels 10 in a straight direction to make thecart 2 easy to roll in a forward or backward direction and around turnswithout drifting laterally to avoid collisions. However, alternatively,smaller and/or non-swiveling wheels may be utilized in embodiments ofthe mobile serving cart 2.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-31, the mobile serving cart 2includes upper 16 and lower rail moldings 18 which extend along thesides and front of the cart 2. These rail moldings 16, 18 are spaced outfrom the cart side panels 6 a distance with spacer pieces 20 and servemultiple purposes. In the mobile, serve on the go configuration of thepresent invention, the rail moldings 16, 18 are configured to act asbumpers when a user moves the serving cart 2 around tables, crowds, andother objects. In a stationary configuration, the rail moldings 16, 18are configured to accommodate mounting various service industry toolsand/or objects from the moldings 16, 18. Preferably, the rail moldings16, 18 also include rounded front corners 19, matching up with therounded front corners 8 of the main housing 3. In embodiments, the railmoldings 16, 18 may be made of metal, wood, durable plastic, or anothermaterial configured for mounting objects. Alternative embodiments of thepresent invention may include one rail molding, rather than two, or morethan two rail moldings, as desired.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the mobile servingcart 2 further includes a cooler assembly 22; a designated work trayassembly 24; a garnish and tool holder assembly 26; and driver-side,sliding drawers 28, 30 a, 30 b openable toward a user and configured forhousing various ingredients, an ice chest 32, service tools, glassware,and other objects desirable for service of beverages, food, etc. Thesecomponents of the mobile serving cart 2 of the present invention arearranged in such a way to maximize the usable space in the compactdesign. The lack of wasted space in the mobile serving cart 2 design isbest illustrated by the cross-sectional views in FIGS. 8-19.

The drawers 28, 30 a, 30 b of the present invention form a back side ofthe mobile serving cart 2. In an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention, the cart drawers 28, 30 a, 30 b house removable caddiesconfigured for holding bottles, glassware, bar tools, supplies, etc. Inan exemplary embodiment, below the handle 12 on the rear end of the cartis a top drawer 28 which is approximately the full width of the mobileserving cart 2 and has a drawer panel 29 approximately half the heightof a standard one-liter bottle. Between the top drawer panel 29 and thetop of the serving cart 2 is an opening into the top drawer 28 largeenough to remove and replace a standard one-liter bottle to and from thetop drawer 28. The top drawer 28 extends to a vertical midplane 52 ofthe mobile serving cart 2 and is configured for housing a removablecaddy 34 having two rows of compartments for one-liter bottles and/orglassware, forming an upper speed rail. Behind the upper speed rail 34in the top drawer 28, positioned closer to the front of the serving cart2, is an ice chest 32.

While the opening into the top of the top drawer 28 allows removal ofbottles and glasses without opening the drawer 28, in the embodimentshown in FIGS. 1-31, opening the top drawer 28 halfway allows furtheraccess to the eight-compartment removable caddy 34 for storing standardbeverage bottles and glassware. Preferably, the speed rail caddy 34 isequipped with padded holders to prevent glass from breaking, but otherembodiments include caddies with no holder padding. Opening the topdrawer 28 all the way or nearly all the way also allows access to theice chest 32. When the top drawer 28 is closed, the ice chest 32 isconfigured to nest just below a top central compartment or cavity 26 forgarnishes and tools, and the ice chest 32 is removable.

In an exemplary embodiment, two adjacent drawers 30 a, 30 b are locatedbelow the top drawer 28. In a preferred embodiment, the bottom drawers30 a, 30 b are equal in width and extend into the cart approximately 50percent further toward the front of the cart 2 than the top drawer 28.One of the bottom drawers 30 a is configured for housing a removabletrash can 36 and a removable storage bin 38 for extra bartendingsupplies or materials. The other bottom drawer 30 b is configured forhousing mountable components of the mobile serving cart 2 for thestationary service configuration. Such mountable components include twoelongated, removable caddies 40, 42 configured for forming mountablespeed rails; a mountable bar top 44; and a mountable shelf 46.

Preferably, the two removable caddies 40, 42 housed in one of the bottomshelves 30 b are long and narrow, configured for housing one row ofstandard, one-liter bottles and for providing mountable bartending speedrails for attachment to the mobile serving cart rail moldings 16, 18 inthe stationary service configuration via mounting clips 48. In anexemplary embodiment, the mountable speed rails include an upper 40 andlower mountable speed rail 42, the upper rail 40 being deeper than thelower rail 42. In an exemplary embodiment, a mountable shelf 46 isconfigured to be mounted with clips 48 onto the serving cart lower railmolding 18, and the lower mountable speed rail 42 sits on the mountableshelf 46. Such an arrangement suspends the speed rail 42 above theground in a desirable, usable position. This embodiment further includesa stowable bar top attachment 44 configured for being mounted on theserving cart 2 in the stationary configuration to give customers a spaceto place their drinks and/or other belongings. Preferably, the bar topattachment 44 includes grooves 50 configured for mating with wingnuts orknobs 49 located near the top of the customer-facing side panel 6 of thecart 2 in the stationary service configuration and mounting atapproximately bar height. Embodiments of the present invention mayfurther include additional mountable shelves and/or additional mountablefeatures desirable for serving beverages, food, or other items.

In an exemplary embodiment, each of the drawers 28, 30 a, 30 b has adrawer handle 102 and an associated locking mechanism 104 for keepingthe drawer 28, 30 a, 30 b in closed position when the mobile servingdevice 2 is in motion. When the mobile serving cart 2 of the presentinvention is moving, whether on flat surfaces, uneven surfaces, bumps,ramps, etc., the drawers 28, 30 a, 30 b need to be locked primarily forsafety reasons. Friction latches and magnets are prone to failure, so alatch that is secure and easy to disengage for quick operation isdesirable. FIGS. 44-45 show an exploded view of a drawer latch 104 of anembodiment of the present invention, which comprises a unique spring,sprocket, and cable locking mechanism. The drawer latches 106 in thisembodiment are spring biased downward, keeping the latch 106 in alocking position. To open, a user lifts up the drawer handle 102, whichrotates the locking mechanism 104 and pulls a cable 105 which releasesthe latch 106. In this embodiment, simply pulling up a small amount onthe handle 102 disengages the lock 106 and allows access to the drawer28, 30 a, 30 b. Closing the drawer 28, 30 a, 30 b then automaticallyreengages the lock 104. Alternatively, a locking mechanism utilizinglocking buttons or levers to prevent the drawers 28, 30 a, 30 b frominadvertently sliding open when traveling over bumps or on inclines mayalso be used. In such embodiments, pushing the button or pulling thelever near the handle would release a drawer 28, 30 a, 30 b and allow itto slide open. Similarly, closing the drawer 28, 30 a, 30 b wouldautomatically re-engage a spring-loaded locking mechanism to prevent thedrawer 28, 30 a, 30 b from sliding open without operating the mechanismagain. Alternative drawer arrangements and configurations may also beused in embodiments of the present invention.

A top, front portion of the mobile serving cart 2 of the presentinvention houses an insulated cooler 22 accessed with an insulated door110 and associated handle 111. Insulation 115 within the cooler 22 andcooler door 110 provides protection from heat transfer to the contentsof the cooler 22. In a preferred embodiment, the cooler 22 includes asliding cooler door 110, configured for sliding outward toward the frontof the mobile serving cart 2. In a preferred embodiment, the cooler door110 provides a secondary work space and slides to allow access to theinside of the cooler 22. In an exemplary embodiment, the cooler doorassembly 108 includes seals 112 along its cooler door sliding mounts 129and includes a magnetic seal 113 at the front of the cooler door 110similar to a refrigerator door for efficient prevention of heat transferinto the cooler 22. While the magnetic seal 113 is sufficient forkeeping the cooler door 110 closed in most circumstances, in a preferredembodiment, the cooler 22 is further equipped with a latch lock 114 fortotally locking the cooler door 110 when the cart 2 is being moved.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mobile servingcart molded cooler 22 includes a stair step 116 design to allow formaximum use of space within the structure of the cart 22. An optional,removable divider 117 accommodates separation of the spaces within thecooler 22 with differing depths. The upper area is ideal for isolatingbottles so they do not intermingle with ice in the adjacent cavity,which allows for quicker handling of the bottles in the cooler 22. In anexemplary embodiment, a small hole in the divider 117 allows excesswater from melted ice to drain into the lower portion of the cooler 22.A drain 120 at the bottom of the cooler 22 runs to the bottom of thecart 2 via a hose 122 and a valve 121 with a release lever so that thecooler 22 may be easily drained.

In an alternative embodiment, the cooler door may be hinged rather thana sliding door. In such a hinged cooler door arrangement, the door maybe configured for automatically holding this position when rotated pasta vertical position. Alternatively, the door can swing 180 degrees andbecome a work or serving surface.

In further alternative embodiments, the empty space below the cooler 22may contain a battery and associated electronic components to power arefrigeration system for the cooler, eliminating the need for ice toprovide cooling. Alternatively, a heating system could also be utilizedto keep beverages or food warm in certain applications.

In an exemplary embodiment, at the rear of the top portion of the mobileserving cart 2 is a designated work surface 24 for making cocktails andbeverages. Preferably, the work surface 24 is equipped with a rubberdrain mat for quick clean up. At the top of the cart between the worksurface 24 and the cooler door 110 forms an open storage compartment orcavity 26 configured for receiving and housing miscellaneous items, suchas but not limited to garnishes, napkins, bar tools, utensils, andglassware. In alternative embodiments, this compartment 26 could have adoor. In an exemplary embodiment, the work surface 24, cooler 22, andcentral storage area 26 are all configured for being accessible from thestanding position at the rear or operator end of the cart 2 and from astationary position from the side of the cart 2 with mounted speed rails40, 42.

In an exemplary embodiment, the mobile serving cart 2 further includes alight on its front panel so the operator can easily see obstacles indark or low light conditions. Additionally, a pocket underneath moldings16, 18, 21 can accept an LED light strip or other type of lighting sothat light can shine on the side panels 6 or the ground.

The frame 4 of the present invention is made up of a chassis havingchassis supports 54 arranged in a rectangular shape and attached to fourvertical supports 56. A lower midplane 60 attaches to the base of thechassis 54 and includes a perpendicular midplane vertical support 62. Anupper midplane 58 attaches to the midplane vertical support 62 and tothe vertical supports 56 above the midplane vertical support 62. Avertical midplane 52 attaches to a front edge of the upper midplane 58and to two of the vertical supports 56. A cooler slide assembly 126frame is formed by a cooler slide chassis 127 and cooler slide chassisbrackets 128 (see FIG. 40) and then attached to the vertical midplane 52and vertical supports 56. Caster brackets 68 attach to the frame chassis54. The cooler slide assembly 126 and caster brackets 68 attach to avertical joiner 66 at the front side of the frame 4. A work tray 24 andgarnish and tool cavity 26 frame is connected via work tray doublerplates 149 (see FIG. 42) and then attached to the vertical midplane 52and vertical supports 56 and are further connected to back verticaldoubler plates 64. Finally, with the frame in place, two side panels 6,each curved about a radius to also form a front side, attach to theframe 4 on the right and left sides and to the vertical joiner 66 on thefront side. These connections may be made by fasteners throughdesignated drilled holes, welds, or any other type of heavy-dutyconnection. Together, the frame 4 and side panels 6 form the mainhousing 3 of the mobile serving cart 2.

The cooler main body 22 is configured for insertion into and attachmentto the mobile cart main housing 3. The cooler door 110 is formed byattaching top and bottom pieces of a hollow cooler door foam pan 131configured for being filled with insulation 115 and enclosed with fourcooler door frame members 130. The cooler door assembly 108 furtherincludes cooler door mounting spacers 132 and cooler seals 112configured for efficiently counteracting heat transfer into the cooler22. The assembled cooler door 110 is connected to cooler slides 129attached to a cooler slide chassis 127, and the cooler slide chassis 127is attached to the cooler main body 22.

With the main housing 3 formed and attached, the back side of the mobileserving cart is configured for receiving the top drawer 28 and bottomdrawers 30 a, 30 b and associated drawer slides. In a preferredembodiment, the drawer slides are located underneath the drawers 28, 30a, 30 b. However, alternative embodiments include drawers withside-mounted drawer slides. In an exemplary embodiment, a garnish trayholder 146 is configured for receiving a series of garnish trays 27. Thegarnish tray holder 146 and a napkin and/or tool bin 147 are configuredfor fitting within the central, garnish and tool holder cavity 26.

Lastly, in this embodiment, the outer moldings 16, 18, 21 and the carthandle 12 are attached to the mobile serving cart 2. The upper 16 andlower rail moldings 18 are attached to the side panels 6 with spacers 20between the panels 6 and moldings 16, 18 to accommodate mounting ofserving accessories and/or functioning as serving cart bumpers. The carthandle 12, in this embodiment is attached between the back sides of theupper rail molding 16 and the back sides of the side panels 6.Additionally, a vertical molding 21 is installed with spacers 20 overthe vertical joiner 66 to complete the front side of the mobile servingcart 2.

In a motive, serve on the go configuration, the compact, mobile servingcart 2 of the present invention is configured to be driven or rolled byan operator around a facility, such as but not limited to a hotel,restaurant, bar, special event, sporting event, or pool area, to makeand serve beverages and/or cocktails wherever guests may be. Everydetail of the serving cart 2 is specifically tailored and engineered toachieve this task in a professional and efficient manner. There are manyuses for a serving cart 2 of the present invention, including but notlimited to special table side service of a special house cocktail orserving cold refreshments to guests lounging around a pool.

Pushing a mobile serving cart 2 of the present invention around afacility may be aided by engaging one of the caster wheel pedals 14located at the operator end, which locks the cart 2 into a straightdirectional mode and eliminates drifting or axial rotation of the cart2. Disengaging the directional lock allows the entire cart 2 to swivelin an axial motion, which is often desired for maneuvering within tightspaces such as between tables.

In an exemplary embodiment, the mobile serving cart 2 includes a fulllighting system for enhancing both its safety and its visual appeal,activated by a switch behind the cart handle 12 or elsewhere on the cart2. In this embodiment, the system 2 includes a vertically mounted lightstrip on the front between the seam of the formed side panels 6 toilluminate the path as the serving cart 2 is rolled. Additionally, lightstrips may be mounted underneath and within the upper 16 and lowerbumper moldings 18 for lighting graphic side panels 6 and for creatingground effect lighting underneath the cart 2.

Once the serving cart 2 of the present invention is in position to servea guest, the operator can lock the wheels 10 by pressing the lever 14 onone or two wheels, if the cart 2 is on an uneven surface. To begin, theoperator typically opens the top drawer 28 by lifting up on the drawerhandle 102. Once the drawer 28 is open, the operator can retrieve aglass and fill it with ice from the ice chest 32 within the drawer 28.The glass is then placed on the work surface 24 at the rear of the cart.With the top drawer 28 still open, various bottles can be accessed. Thecentral top compartment 26 may also optionally be loaded with variousglasses and bottles, as desired. Once the drink is poured, garnishes,straws, and napkins can be accessed as well in the top centralcompartment 26. If cold beverages or items are required for a beverageto be made, the cooler 22 on the front can be implemented and thosebeverages or items received from the cooler 22. The completed beveragecan either be handed to the guest or it can be placed on a drink railadjacent to the cooler to be served later or retrieved by the guest. Anyitems that need to be disposed of, such as empty cans, wrappers, or usedgarnishes, can be placed into the trash can 36 housed in a lower drawer30 a. This trash can 36 is easily removed and emptied.

Preferably, all the glasses and bottles in the drawers 28, 30 a, 30 bare contained in padded compartments that are part of a series removablecaddies. In an exemplary embodiment, one caddy 34 is placed within theupper drawer 28, and two caddies 40, 42 are placed within one of thebottom drawers 30 b. These caddies 34, 40, 42 preferably eachincorporate a handle 102 so that they can easily be lifted out forreloading in a remote area and for cleaning.

In an exemplary embodiment, the serving cart 2 of the present inventionis constructed from panels 6, and the joints and seams of these panels 6are filled with a sealant prior to being painted. Cleaning is as simpleas removing the bottles, glasses, bar supplies, and bar tools and wipingthe cart 2 down with some mild cleanser or sanitary solution. To drainthe cooler, the serving cart 2 includes a valve 121 beneath the cooler22 near the front and center portion of the cart 2. The serving cart 2can be rolled over a drain and the valve 121 opened to drain, or a smallpan or alternative reservoir can be placed underneath the valve 121.

The serving cart 2 can also be configured as a side operated, stationarybar. To operate as a stationary bar, the mountable upper 40 and lowerspeed rails 42, the mountable shelf 46, and the mountable bar top 44 areremoved from the appropriate bottom drawer 30 b and mounted on the railmoldings 16, 18 and knobs 49 via clips 48 and knob-engaging grooves 50,as desired. The user may also open the top drawer 28 for quick access tothe ice chest 32 and/or an additional speed rail 34. The cooler door 110may also be slid open, if desired, for access to the cooler 22 and/orfor an auxiliary work surface. These stationary configurationaccessories can be quickly set-up and quickly removed to restore theserving cart 2 to its mobile serving on the fly configuration, asdesired.

The mobile serving cart 2 of the present invention provides manyadvantages to users, most notably in the service and hospitalityindustry. These advantages include improved speed of beverage deliveryto customers by decreasing the bartender's workload behind the bar whilea separate employee makes and serves beverages using the serving cart 2of the present invention. The serving cart 2 of the present inventionalso provides added entertainment value for customers seated at tablesand allows for input from customers when preparing beverages.Additionally, the compact design of the serving cart 2 accommodates easymaneuvering of the cart around dining tables, people, and otherobstacles. The rounded front edges 8, 19 also help to prevent injury ordamage caused by a user running the cart 2 into people or objects. Whilebeing compact, the serving cart 2 of the present invention has spacesand features strategically arranged to maximize the capacity of the cart2. The capacity for bottles, glassware, garnishes, ice, bar supplies,and bar tools allows for extended periods of time preparing and servingbeverages without needing to restock the cart 2. Moreover, the featuresof the serving cart 2 are arranged with everything in reach for mostusers, with the most-used items positioned closest to the user. Thisarrangement of designated spaces and features accommodates efficiency inmaking beverages of the same quality as a bartender at a bar. Theconstruction of the device 2 allows for efficient drink mixing from thesame side of the cart 2 as when driving the cart 2, resulting in smoothtransitions from rolling to mixing and serving drinks. It also allowsfor efficient use as a stationary bar with a full-service set-up.Furthermore, the parts of the serving cart 2 are all sealed makingcleaning and sterilization quick and easy.

While use of the serving cart 2 of the present invention as a mobile orstationary bar is an exemplary embodiment, serving carts 2 of thepresent invention can be adapted for other uses. Alternative embodimentsinclude use in serving food or selling merchandise. The cooler 22 couldbe utilized for cold food, such as but not limited to ice cream.Alternatively, the cooler 22 could be used as a warmer for warm foods.The cooler 22 could also be used as a warmer for hot beverages, such asbut not limited to coffee, hot tea, and hot chocolate. In anotheralternative embodiment, multiple mobile serving devices of the presentinvention could be positioned together and/or connected to provide alarger service configuration.

It is to be understood that while certain embodiments and/or aspects ofthe invention have been shown and described, the invention is notlimited thereto and encompasses various other embodiments and aspects.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desiredto be secured by Letters Patent is:
 1. A mobile serving cart comprising:a main housing comprising a frame and a pair of panels attached to saidframe and forming a front side and left and right sides of said mobileserving cart; a plurality of wheels attached to said main housing andsupporting said mobile serving cart; a handle attached to said mainhousing for directing said mobile serving cart; a work space positionedon a top side of said mobile serving cart; a cooler housed within saidmain housing and including a sealable cooler door; a drawer housedwithin said main housing and forming a back side of said mobile servingcart; wherein said mobile serving cart includes a first configurationfor mobile service and a second configuration for stationary service;and wherein said mobile serving cart is configured for mounting serviceaccessories in said mobile serving cart second configuration.
 2. Themobile serving cart according to claim 1, wherein: said cooler comprisesan insulated cooler; and said sealable cooler door is accessible fromsaid top side of said mobile serving cart.
 3. The mobile serving cartaccording to claim 2, wherein: said cooler door comprises a slidabledoor configured for sliding outward beyond said front side of saidmobile serving cart when opened; and a top surface of said cooler doorcomprises a secondary work space.
 4. The mobile serving cart accordingto claim 2, wherein: said cooler door comprises a magnetic seal; andsaid cooler door further comprises a locking latch.
 5. The mobileserving cart according to claim 1, further comprising: a rail moldingattached to said main housing and extending around said front side andleft and right sides of said mobile serving cart; and wherein said railmolding is configured for mounting service accessories in said mobileserving cart second configuration.
 6. The mobile serving cart accordingto claim 1, further comprising: a removable caddy configured for housinga plurality of beverage ingredients; wherein said removable caddy isconfigured for placement within said drawer in said first configuration;and wherein said removable caddy is configured for being mounted on saidmobile serving cart in said second configuration.
 7. The mobile servingcart according to claim 1, further comprising: a mountable bar topattachment configured for placement within said drawer in said firstconfiguration and for being mounted on said mobile serving cart in saidsecond configuration.
 8. The mobile serving cart according to claim 1,wherein: said drawer comprises a top drawer and a bottom drawer.
 9. Themobile serving cart according to claim 8, wherein: said top drawerhouses a removable speed rail caddy and an ice chest; said removablespeed rail caddy is configured for holding a plurality of beverageingredients; and opening of said top drawer provides convenient accessto said plurality of said beverage ingredients and said ice chest insaid first configuration and said second configuration.
 10. The mobileserving cart according to claim 8, further comprising: an openingbetween a top surface of said top drawer and said top side of saidmobile serving cart accommodating removal and replacement of objectswithin said top drawer without opening said top drawer.
 11. The mobileserving cart according to claim 8, wherein: said bottom drawer is longerthan said top drawer; and said cooler comprises a stair step shapearound said top and bottom drawers maximizing usable space within saidmobile serving cart main housing.
 12. The mobile serving cart accordingto claim 11, further comprising: a cooler divider configured fordividing said cooler into separate sections on each side of said starstep shape.
 13. The mobile serving cart according to claim 1, furthercomprising: a drain connected to a bottom side of said cooler configuredfor draining liquid from said cooler out of said main housing.
 14. Themobile serving cart according to claim 1, further comprising: a cavityaccessible from said mobile serving device top side positioned betweensaid work space and said cooler door and configured for housing beverageservice items.
 15. A mobile serving cart comprising: a main housingcomprising a frame and a pair of panels attached to said frame andforming a front side and left and right sides of said mobile servingcart; a plurality of wheels attached to said main housing and supportingsaid mobile serving cart; a handle attached to said main housing fordirecting said mobile serving cart; a work space positioned on a topside of said mobile serving cart; an insulated cooler housed within saidmain housing and including a sealable cooler door accessible from saidtop side of said mobile serving cart; said cooler door comprising aslidable door configured for sliding outward beyond said front side ofsaid mobile serving cart when opened; a top surface of said cooler doorcomprising a secondary work space; a top drawer and a bottom drawerhoused within said main housing and forming a back side of said mobileserving cart; said top drawer housing a removable speed rail caddy andan ice chest; said removable speed rail caddy configured for holding aplurality of beverage ingredients; wherein said bottom drawer is longerthan said top drawer; wherein said cooler comprises a stair step shapearound said top and bottom drawers maximizing usable space within saidmobile serving cart main housing; wherein said mobile serving cartincludes a first configuration for mobile service and a secondconfiguration for stationary service; and wherein opening of said topdrawer provides convenient access to said plurality of said beverageingredients and said ice chest in said first configuration and saidsecond configuration.
 16. A method of serving beverages with a mobileserving cart having a main housing comprising a frame and a pair ofpanels attached to the frame and forming a front side and left and rightsides of the mobile serving cart; a plurality of wheels attached to themain housing and supporting the mobile serving cart; a handle attachedto the main housing for directing the mobile serving cart; a work spacepositioned on a top side of the mobile serving cart; a cooler housedwithin the main housing and including a sealable cooler door; the coolerdoor being a slidable door configured for sliding outward beyond thefront side of the mobile serving cart when opened; a top surface of thecooler door comprising a secondary work space; a drawer housed withinthe main housing and forming a back side of the mobile serving cart; andthe drawer housing a removable speed rail caddy and an ice chest; themethod comprising the steps of: filling said ice chest with ice; fillingsaid speed rail caddy with a plurality of beverage ingredients; fillingsaid cooler with cold beverages; driving said mobile serving cart to adesired service location; taking a beverage order from a customer; andpreparing said beverage order on said work space on said top side ofsaid mobile serving cart.
 17. The method according to claim 16, furthercomprising the step of: opening said drawer providing convenient accessto said plurality of beverage ingredients and said ice chest.
 18. Themethod according to claim 16, further comprising the steps of: slidingopen said cooler door; using said top surface of said cooler door as asecondary work space.
 19. The method according to claim 16, furthercomprising the steps of: providing a mountable bar top surface;providing a mountable speed rail caddy; mounting said bar top surface onsaid mobile serving cart; and mounting said mountable speed rail caddyon said mobile serving cart.
 20. The method according to claim 16,wherein said mobile serving cart further includes a cavity accessiblefrom the mobile serving device top side positioned between the workspace and the cooler door, the method further comprising the step of:filling said cavity with beverage garnishes and beverage making tools.